In the style of Sultan Muhammad
Persian, active ca. 1505-1550Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, first half of the 16th centuryInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paperHelen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund 84.147

Sultan Muhammad

Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad

In the style of Sultan Muhammad
Persian, active ca. 1505-1550Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, first half of the 16th centuryInk, opaque watercolor, and gold on paperHelen M. Danforth Acquisition Fund 84.147

Islamic book arts began to flourish in the thirteenth century. This illumination of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad is probably from the Khamsa (Quintet), five long poems by the poet Nizami (ca. 1141- ca. 1209). Surrounded by winged angels presenting him with valuable gifts, the veiled Prophet Muhammad sits astride Buraq, his human-headed steed, and is guided by the angel Gabriel on a mystical night journey (mi’raj) through the heavens. It is likely that the illustration was paired with the manuscript’s dedicatory prayers.

Islamic book arts began to flourish in the 13th century. This illumination of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad is probably taken from the Khamsa, five long poems by the poet Nizami (ca. 1141–ca. 1209). Surrounded by winged angels presenting him with valuable gifts, the veiled Prophet Muhammad sits astride Buraq, his human-headed steed, and is guided by the angel Gabriel on a mystical night journey (mi’raj) through the heavens. It is likely that the illustration was paired with the manuscript’s dedicatory prayers

Islamic book arts began to flourish in the thirteenth century. This illumination of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad is probably from the Khamsa (Quintet), five long poems by the poet Nizami (ca. 1141- ca. 1209). Surrounded by winged angels presenting him with valuable gifts, the veiled Prophet Muhammad sits astride Buraq, his human-headed steed, and is guided by the angel Gabriel on a mystical night journey (mi’raj) through the heavens. It is likely that the illustration was paired with the manuscript’s dedicatory prayers.

Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design. “Selected Works”. Providence: Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, 2008.